A welcome message from Mamma Hickey…After the resounding success of last year’s Saracens v Leicester Uni Alumni, the committee of the Dan Hick-ey Fund wondered if it would be possible to hold an-other big rugby day, the last was so fantastic. They put out tentative feelers to see if the Leicester boys would dare to venture West again to defend their title, as last year’s champions. Whether it be the lure of the Sarries’ combative rugby talents or the lure of the west coun-try cider, we welcome back 37 Leicester rugby players today who have travelled south to unite in the spirit of the beloved game, in the taste of cider, but more importantly in memory of our beloved Dan, who was both a Sarrie and a Leicester team player.

With the sudden death of Dan, we as a family and you as his friends were not given a guide book on how to deal with the grief. Should we dwell on the past or live for today? I suggest we have all done a bit of both and that is what today is about.

The Dan Hickey Fund was set up in January 2016, by Dan’s brother Joe, sister Elizabeth and seven of his close friends. Today is the fourth major event that has been organised and in addition there have been plenty of donations flowing in from all directions. To date we have raised approximately £55,000, which is staggering, amazing, overwhelming and heartfelt. You guys have done it, thank you so very, very much for your ongoing support and generosity. In particular I would like to thank Saracen’s rugby club for hosting today and all the hard work of the committee in the planning and organisation. It’s no mean feat!

Today is about Dan, our Dan and it is about looking forward and making a difference to young peo-ple lives here in Bristol, the city Mr. Bristol was passionate about. Now get out there and create some chaos!!

Please keep this as one of the many memories you’will make here today. Thank you for your support and love

THE DAN HICKEY FUND UK.VIRGINMONEYGIVING.COM/SOMEONESPECIAL/THEDANHICKEYFUND

YOU CAN SUPPORT THE DAN HICKEY FUND ONLINE AT

The emotions and enjoyment felt that day made it such an easy decision to host another day in memory of our dear teammate and friend.

We’d like to welcome back all of you and of course, Leicester University, the reigning champions if you will, after winning a close, exciting game last year 40 – 38. That game was played in a spirit that Hickey knew and loved; expansive rugby, hard tackling, and a lot of laughs shared in between. Dan’s alumni are a great bunch of lads and it’s heart-warming to see the same faces back once more for what’s sure to be another incredible day.

Thanks to the generosity you showed last year, we raised over £8,000 for The Dan Hickey Fund and had over 500 people coming together, young and old, to enjoy something truly unforgettable.But really, today isn’t about what’s happening on the field or even how much we raise. It’s what we get off of it; the chance to celebrate a man who meant so much to us all, a chance to share memo-ries once more, and create new ones in his honour.

We know you’re looking down on us all today Dan. We hope we can do you proud again. Bristol Saracens RFC.

Well, somehow, another year has passed already and as a club and a community, we’ve come so far since our first Donate for Dan event 12 months ago.

Thank you...

Bristol Saracens and The Dan Hickey Fund would like to thank Envirodec for their continued support

12:45pm Gates Open. If the car park is full, parking available is also available in lower Clifton RFC car park

1:30pm Teams warm up

2.00pm BBQ starts serving

2:20pm Bristol Saracens & Leicester University Alumni team photos

2:25pm Pre-kick off minute’s applause in celebration and memory of Dan

2:30pm Kick off – Bristol Saracens vs Leicester University Alumni

3:10pm Half time

3:15pm Second half kick off

3:55pm Final whistle

4.00pm Players tunnel and both teams share a photo including Dan’s family

4:45pm Man of the match award sponsored by Berkley Barbers

5.00pm Live music

Approx 9pm Evening Disco

Order of Play

1st XVLead by captain Will Harding for a record-equalling sixth consecutive season, our first team posi-tioned themselves in the top half of Western Counties all season and stayed there, making it the clubs greatest ever finish. With 13 wins and 13 losses, Harding’s side proudly sat in seventh when the season ended, scoring 596 points along the way. With our plate-winning Colts side making the transition to senior rugby this year, the foundations are in place for this team to go on and achieve even more, again with Harding at the helm after he was elected again to become the only player to ever captain for seven consecutive seasons in the clubs 121-year history.

2nd XVRan by the trio of Andrew Bridgman, Andrew Swash and John Howell this year, the second team have had a great season with the usual mix of experience and youth, finishing second in Bristol Division 1, only narrowly missing out on the league title and amassing 832 points along the way. Highlights include doing the double over neighbours Avonmouth and Dings Crusaders and the emergence of many players who have gone on to play for our first team. We want to wish new captain Chris Finn the best of luck as he takes on the armband for the first team next season.

3rd XVRan by this year’s winner of the Dan Hickey Award, David Brunt, the third team had a season to remember. Bottom at Christmas, captain Brunty took charge and lead his side to a third placed finish, scoring nearly 500 points in the process. Down to a crop of players who made themselves available every week, the thirds re-emergence has been one of the highlights of the club’s season and we can’t thank the lads enough for their commitment. With wins over Aretians, Old Elizabe-thans, Avonmouth and more this year, promotion or even league championship may not be too far away for the thirds next season!

Season Round Up